[devarsity61]

I have a 87 silverado and I want to build a small block 400. How can I max my horsepower in my 400. I would like to get near 500 hp as possible.

[68NovaSS]

Short of supercharging or a turbo, 500 hp from a small block will cost and street manners will be minimal at best, but it can be done.

Do a search here, you'll find a ton of information.

[curtis73]

Open the big wallet and prepare for terrible streetability.

[eloc431962]

You can get near and even past the 500hp mark, like stated if the funds are there. trust me i have been there
Do you have any performance parts now for this build or starting with just the block ?



Cole

[devarsity61]

yes I was thinking it would cost a lot but I want to try it anyway. I'm starting with just a block.

[eloc431962]

Originally Posted by devarsity61

yes I was thinking it would cost a lot but I want to try it anyway. I'm starting with just a block.

The first thing you need to do is have it verified from a machine shop that the block is in good shape for the build. JMO Then you can start gathering up some parts needed to reach your goal with the engine. And the parts have to match up to perform properly, you can't just go throwing parts at it expecting to get the HP you want, with that said have the block checked and then post back and we will do all we can to help you with this build.



Cole

[V8 Super Beetle]

A good set of heads with the appropriate matching parts would get you there. Check out AFR's Dyno page. 503 hp out of a 383. So with a 400...........

http://www.airflowresearch.com/chevy_dyno.php

[silentpoet]

Supercharger plus nitrous. Max power, min life.

[willowbilly3]

Best thing would be to throw away the 400 block you have and buy a big block crate engine. A nice civilized 502 would make that kind of power, be a lot easier on the wallet with a much lower frustration level. Also think about the rest of the driveline you will need to stand up to 500 hp. A fairly expensive tranny rebuild or replacement and for sure a whole new rear end.

[devarsity61]

ok I have a good 400 block that is ready to have machine work done. I also have some vortec heads that need to be worked. what are some ideas for the block and heads. I would like to stroke the 400 to a 406 what do u think

[Ruthlessmr]

For sure spend the money to have it hot tanked and crack checked.I have put a lot of 400s together and for the street we used a 480 hyd cam,ported stk heads.the 400s really hold up well with5.7 rods,I always use head studs on them to help with gasket issues.I had a cam special ground for another one that went into my camaro wow pump gas and really worked well

[Ruthlessmr]

Originally Posted by Ruthlessmr

For sure spend the money to have it hot tanked and crack checked.I have put a lot of 400s together and for the street we used a 480 hyd cam,ported stk heads.the 400s really hold up well with5.7 rods,I always use head studs on them to help with gasket issues.I had a cam special ground for another one that went into my camaro wow pump gas and really worked well

I run a 700r4 with them no stall. The400s have great tourqe .
I had one stock rod400 with arp bolts that got the living dogs not beat out of it daily.Ifreshened it up about every two years just to keep ontop of it..It lasted 15 years that way and went into 5 different cars
love them 400s

[Ruthlessmr]

Originally Posted by willowbilly3

Best thing would be to throw away the 400 block you have and buy a big block crate engine. A nice civilized 502 would make that kind of power, be a lot easier on the wallet with a much lower frustration level. Also think about the rest of the driveline you will need to stand up to 500 hp. A fairly expensive tranny rebuild or replacement and for sure a whole new rear end.

Come on man maybe if he wants to add weight

[Ruthlessmr]

Originally Posted by devarsity61

yes I was thinking it would cost a lot but I want to try it anyway. I'm starting with just a block.

2 bolt main or splay the caps
4 bolts suck(warp,pull out main bolts,etc.)

[Ruthlessmr]

Originally Posted by devarsity61

I have a 87 silverado and I want to build a small block 400. How can I max my horsepower in my 400. I would like to get near 500 hp as possible.

Plan on doing the 700r4 also or it won't hold stock,shift kit perf clutches,servo